Cedar Memorial park

What follows is more information on the children of Harry and Frieda Spracklin. I am sharing just the highlights of this family because I think it is an example of triumph over some hard times.

At the Family History Library in Salt Lake City, I sought out the estate of Harry Spracklin but found instead a huge guardianship, which involved the care of George, Bertha, Florence, Harold and Alice. This guardianship lasted from about 1927 through to 1943 when Alice got married, a total of about 15 years. During that 15 year time frame there were three guardians to administer the account of which two who died during the process. The guardianship was funded by Harry’s Spanish War Pension. This guardianship is very involved with many pages and took a long time to photograph from the film.

Dorothy had married and Leroy was old enough so they did not get involved with the guardianship.

No. 1 – Dorothy Elizabeth Spracklin, born 15, May, 1909 in Davenport, Scott Co., Iowa. She married on 3 July, 1926 in Davenport to Donald Lee Sievert born about 1901 in Iowa. They had Delores E. Sievert born about 1936 and William Donald Sievert who died 9 December, 1927 in Davenport and was buried on the 11th of December, 1927.

Sievert-Spracklin Wedding – The wedding of Miss Dorothy Elizabeth Spracklin, daugther of Mr. and Mrs. Harry L. Spracklin of 321 Gaines Street, Davenport to Donald Sievert of 121 Brown Street son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward McCarthy, took place Saturday, July 3. The young people were married by John J. McSwiggen, assistant county attorney in his office in the early afternoon. The bride’s mother and father witnessed the ceremony. Mr. Sievert is an automobile salesman.

Something happened and Dorothy remarried on 21 June, 1943 in Davenport to Andy Patrick Heffernen who was born 17 October, 1917 in Buchanan Co., Iowa to Patrick Heffernen and Margaret Carr. Dorothy and Andy had about 4 children together: Patrick, Kathleen, Thomas and James.

Dorothy died on 6 May, 2007 in Jessup, Buchanan Co., Iowa and is buried in the Saint Athanasius Cemetery there. Her husband Andy died in 1990. Find A Grave has a memorial with links and good information on this family.

I found Dorothy with Donald in the 1940 census living in Cedar Rapids, Linn Co., Iowa.

2. Leroy Herman Spracklin, was born 22 May, 1911 in Davenport. Leroy and his brother George got into trouble regarding petty thievery per an article in the Davenport Democrat and Leader of August 12, 1925. He must have turned this around because in April of 1929 the local paper states that he was one of three accepted for service in the Navy. They passed an examination at Des Moines and will proceed to San Diego for two months for preliminary training. From what I have seen Leroy made the Navy his career for 19 years.

In June of 1949 Leroy filled out an Application for State of Iowa Military Pension form #162073 for about $500.00.

So Leroy served during World War II and was on a series of ships during that time. Leroy married on 15, December, 1943 in Solano, California to an Elaine Audree Clifford.

3. Herbert Spracklin was born 15 July 1912 in Davenport, and died in a tragic accident on 8 February, 1920 in Davenport. See the last post for more information about the death of little Herbert.

4. George Wilbert Spracklin was born 20 August, 1914 in Davenport. George got in trouble along with Leroy regarding petty theft in 1925. George’s was part of the guardianship from 1927 to about 1935 when he was given his final payment.

Here are some highlights from the guardianship which was many pages long:

In 1927 George W. was living with his mother Frieda according to the guardianship. The Second Report given to the court by Mr. Schroder was dated between Jan 1, 1933 to Feb 25, 1934 and it states that George W. was shifting for himself in Davenport, Iowa and he has been asking for money for room and board and had subsequently disappeared.

Final Report from the guardian for George W. Spracklin came on 21 August 1935 states George was confined to the Iowa State Penitentiary at Fort Madison for stealing an automobile. On 9th of March, 1936 – 4th Annual Report from the guardian and it released the guardian from George W. Spracklin in duty and liability.

Go back in time a little we find in 1930 that George is the census and he is in the Iowa Training School for Boys, in Eldora City, Hardin Co., Iowa. Line 69, Spracklin, George W, Inmate, M, W, 15, S, yes, yes, born Iowa, parents born Iowa, 65, Engineer, no, yes. George W. Spracklin, 1930 U.S. Federal Census, Eldora, Hardin Co., Iowa, Iowa Training School for Boys, ED#42-10, SD#6, Sht#5b, enumerated April 5, 1930, Mrs. Helen Hayes.

In the 1940 Census we find George in the State Penitentiary in Fort Madison.

Things were not going well for George but events turned around when he entered the military during World War II and served. He married a Lily M. and had a family. He died on 24 March, 1985 in Hiawatha, Linn Co., Iowa.

George W. Spracklin

In 1949 he applied for his pension: George W. Spracklin, Application for WWII Service Compensation, May 16, 1949

Why did Frieda give up her children. Well I would have to study court records to determine what was the true cause of the break up of the family. I think it may have had something to do with alcohol or the behavior of her two sons. Before Harry’s death an article appeared in the Davenport Democrat and Leader:

After Harry’s death Frieda got in trouble on her own: MOTHER OF SIX CAUGHT IN RAID, January 15, 1928, page 15.

Mrs. Freda Spracklin, who gave her address to police as — Jackson avenue, mother of six children, was arraigned in police court Saturday morning and fined $1 and cost and given a ten day suspended jail sentence when she was found guilty of being an inmate of a disorderly house. She was arrested…Friday night by Officer Fisher and Police woman Inger Estes. A drinking party was in progress, officer testified…Police found more than 50 bottles of beer at the house. Probation Officer Byron Ramsey said in police court that complaints made against Mrs. Spracklin were to be made to a judge in juvenile court.

5. Bertha Sophia Spracklin was born on 6 April, 1916 in Davenport. She testified in the rape case in 1923 that I have mentioned in the last post. The man was sentenced to prison so she didn’t have to suffer fear of his finding and hurting her but it was still a traumatic event in her very young life.

In 1930 we have seen that she was one of three of her siblings at the Iowa Soldiers Orphan Home n Davenport. She also was part of the guardianship that was established after her father Harry’s death.

Bertha Sophie Spracklin was involved with the guardianship from 1927 to about 1939. She was adopted in about 1932 by a family named Hall in Marion, Iowa but they returned her to the home in 1933.

Here are some highlights from the guardianship:

Good news came from Iowa Soldier’s Orphans’ Home dated May 22, 1935 about Bertha Spracklin and recommending that she be adopted by her Aunt who lives in New York City at 525 West 169th St. The Aunt is a widow and her name is (Bertha M.) Hoyt. The Superintendent of the Orphan’s home feels that Bertha has been at the home for most of her life and the chance for her to have a good life with her Aunt is greater than with them. He recommends the move for Bertha and it is approved by the Bureau of Child Welfare in Des Moines.

In October of 1936 Bertha S. Spracklin was at Beech, Iowa working for a family by the name of C.H. Knox having been placed there by the Superintendent of the Soldier’s Orphans Home apparently the adoption by her Aunt was not going well.

Sept. 21, 1936 – Order from the guardian is seeking to have funds released and bonds sold so that Bertha Spracklin can be sent to her Aunt in New York. The 1st Successor Guardian Report of April 19, 1937 says that Bertha Sophia is making her home with her aunt in New York and has reached the age of 21 and all monies are released to her in 1937.

Unfortunately, I have not been able to track Bertha and find out what happened to her. There is a possibility that she married a man named Florence.

6. Florence Margaret Spracklin was born the 6th of October, 1918 and it is said she was born in Montana. We do know that Harry had land there as stated in the last post. Florence was also involved in the rape case.

In 1930 she was with her other siblings at the Home in Davenport. Here are some highlights from her part in the guardianship.

1936Florence M. Spracklin is in the Girl’s Training School at Mitchellville, Iowa having been sent their by the District Court of Polk Co. She ran away from the Orphan’s home. 1937 Florence M. Spracklin has been released from the Girls’ Training School of Mitchellville, Iowa and placed on parole to Mrs. Luther Porter, Mitchellville, Iowa and is now attending the Mitchellville High School.

Harold and Florence are over the age of 14 and they approve Nic LeGrand. Nic LeGrand is officially guardian as of Oct. 7, 1937.

Order July 12, 1937 – Florence has graduated from the Mitchellville High School and is being allowed to attend the Capital City Commercial College in Des Moines to take a 1 year course. The guardian is asking to supply Florence with monthly funds for necessities, some entertainment and spiritual needs. The court approves the action in order to assist Florence in obtaining an education and earning her own living.

About 1939 her guardianship was ended.

On 7 August, 1944 Florence got married to a James B. Oliver in Cedar Rapids, Linn Co., Iowa. James was born 30 January, 1913 in Vinton, Iowa. They had several children. He died May 1980 in Cedar Rapids. Florence lived a long time and passed on 14 August, 2002 in Cedar Rapids. She and James are buried in the Cedar Memorial Park in Cedar Rapids. Find A Grave has memorials with links but no tombstone photos at this time.

Harold Spracklin, 3-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Harry Spracklin, 324 Gaines street, was injured at 11:05 this morning when he was struck by an auto driven by Julius Geertz, 637 Clark street.

He was rendered unconscious by the blow and suffered cuts and bruises about the head and face. He was taken to Mercy hospital by Geertz. His injuries are not considered serious.

Mr. Geertz, in his report to police, said he was driving west on Fourth street at a speed of from 15 to 20 miles an hour. The child had been playing in the playground on Fourth street between Brown and Gaines street and suddenly ran from the curb into the street and directly in front of the car.

Harold was involved in the guardianship and his part covers about 1927 to about 1943.

1936: Harold L. Spracklin is still at the Orphans Home and Alice H. Spracklin has been adopted by the Hall family who live in Marion, Iowa. He was also in the home in the 1930 Census with his siblings.

1937: Harold Lester Spracklin is still at the Iowa Soldier’s Orphans’ Home in Davenport, Iowa.

Harold and Florence are over the age of 14 and they approve Nic LeGrand. Nic LeGrand is officially guardian as of Oct. 7, 1937.

Application for Authority to Pay for Tuition etc for Harold L. Spracklin at Columbia College in Dubuque, Iowa.

Second Report of Successor Guardian – Harold L. Spracklin – financial statement since last report and problems with the ward being caught with two other boys from the Orphan’s Home robbing several schools in Davenport. He was brought before the Juvenile Court and the guardian obtained his parole while the others were sent to Eldors. The guardian spent 3 days with the Judge of the District Court, Probation Officer and Superintendent of the Orphan’s home and contacting the Board of Control to get permission to place Harold in Loras College (Same college just new name) in Dubuque, IA.

Final Report for Harold L. Spracklin – Guardian states that minor has now joined the Navy..Monies have been expended to pay for tuition at the Loras College. Asking for authorization to turn all the assets for Harold over to him and terminate the guardianship. Harold signs his receipt Harold Spracklin and someone writes the name “Leslie” in between.

Jan 18, 1943 – Guardian states that Harold is now 18 years old and no more income is forthcoming. Receipt is signed by Harold Spracklin stating he received $40.10 from Mr. LeGrand.

Harold married a Catherine Mae Kirkendal. Catherine was born 5 November,1928. Harold died on 21 February, 2013 in Beggs, Okmulgee Co., Oklahoma. Catherine had passed on 29 December, 2009. Both are buried in the Beggs Cemetery in Komulgee Co., Oklahoma. Find A Grave has a memorial for Catherine but no tombstone photo. Harold is listed under Spraklin for his memorial at Beggs per Find A Grave.

9. Alice Margaret Spracklin, was born 17 May, 1925 in Davenport, Scott Co, Iowa. In the 1930 census she is in Marion Co., with the Hall family. So the reason she was not listed in the 1930 census with the other siblings was because she was adopted. The people who adopted Alice also took in Bernice but it apparently didn’t work out.

Alice was also involved with the guardianship. She was adopted and her name was changed to Bernice Helen Hall.

1927-1933Florence Margaret, Harold Lester and Alice S. are still at the Iowa Soldier’s Orphans Home in Davenport, Iowa. 1933 Alice M. has been adopted out (no name given).1936 Alice Martha was adopted by the Halls and lives in Marion, IA.

Final Report of Guardian March 9, 1945 – Alice M. Spracklin has married to an Allen Bush on 5th Sept. 1943, she is now known as Bernice Helen Hall and lives in Long Beach, California. Because of her marriage she is now considered reaching her majority and all monies from the guardianship are to be paid to her and the guardian released from his responsibilities to her. The adopted parents are named Mr.& Mrs. G. L. Hall.

She is mentioned in 1985 in the obituary above of her brother George and she is living in Pine Valley, Utah. So she was still in contact with her siblings. What happened to her after that I do not know.

With Alice being released from the guardianship it came to an end.

What Happened to Frieda:

Frieda Hilda Ackermann Spracklin remarried to a Mr. Fred Simons on 6 June, 1928 in Davenport. He was the son of R.T. Simons and Martha Townsend.

At first Frieda disappeared out of the guardianship papers, but I was determined to find her. She appears in the 1930 census with Fred living in Chicago. The Martha Fessler listed in the census is Frieda’s sister.

This to me is good news because Frieda is back in Iowa and near her children. We see that Dorothy is with her. The Sieverts are actually enumerated twice in this 1940 census – see above. However, I still don’t know where she or Fred are buried, I suspect in Cedar Rapids.

In spite of the tragedies and difficulties in this family, the children grew up, rallied and went on to live their lives and it looks like they all did well and kept in touch with each other. Of course, more research could be done on these individuals such as finding there final resting place, studying court records, obituaries and more. At this time I feel that I have done all I can or should on this family of Harry and Frieda’s.

Things to Ponder

The header photo is of Edinburgh looking out on the city towards Arthur’s Sleat the hill in the background. You can climb it if you wish. I am standing on a high building called Camera Obscura on their 6th floor.

Leola May Blinn may be the daughter of Sarah A. Blinn a sister of George and Alexander. I have added new information as of 6/10/2016 to the post about another of Alexander’s siblings. Just put Leola into the search engine and you should find the information.

Table of content pages have been added to the top of this blog. Each page covers a family grouping and the posts published on this blog about that family and other blogs that I write on. HOVER over the titles at the top of this page and other pages titles will drop down. 1/22/2016

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